[0001] This invention relates to a drainage channel system which includes sidewall extensions
for increasing the length of a continuous and progressive sloping run of the drainage
channel system, and a method for extending the continuous slope of a run of a drainage
channel system. Drainage channels of the type referred to in this application are
open top drainage channels which are used to drain, for example, parking lots, airport
runways, taxiways and ramps, and driveways. Such drainage channel systems also are
used in various interior drainage applications. Usually, a longitudinally extending
grate is set into the open top of the drainage channel.
[0002] Both the channel itself and the grate may be constructed of various materials according
to various processes to support light, medium or heavy loads. In the particular embodiment
discussed in this application, the drainage channels and sidewall extensions are cast
of "polyester concrete." Polyester concrete is a concrete aggregate material containing
quartz and inert mineral fillers bonded together with polyester resin.
[0003] A drainage channel "run" is formed by using cast channel segments having successively
higher walls so that when connected together end-to-end in the proper oraer in a graaually
aeepeming trencn tney collectively form a run having a .6% slope, as described above.
[0004] The channel segments are embedded in concrete within a trench which must be properly
prepared to receive the channel segments in proper order and with proper slope.
[0005] One conventional system of constructing a drainage channel involves the use of 30
interlocking channel segments, each approximately one meter in length with a built-in
slope of 0.6%. Accordingly, a single, continuously sloping, uninterrupted run of approximately
30 meters can be constructed simply by interconnecting these channel segments of gradually
increasing depth end-to-end. However, in many applications longer runs are necessary.
Heretofore, longer runs have been achieved by placing oppositely directed falls adjacent
to each other with multiple outlets. Runs have also be extended by interspersing non-sloping
channels throughout the length of the run. However, the maximum rate of fluid flow
either remains the same, or in some cases is decreased, by using one of these methods.
[0006] Of course, a continuous run can be made longer simply by making more and more channel
segments, each having a greater depth. However, there are several reasons why one
cannot simply increase the depth of the individual channel segments indefinitely.
Increasing the number of channel segments increases the number of segments which must
be maintained in inventory. In addition, as the sidewalls of the channel segments
increase in length, correspondingly more material is used and the finished product
is substantially heavier, but nevertheless more subject to breakage during handling.
Since such oversized channel segments would be used only in projects calling for a
longer than normal run, the cost per unit for such oversized segments would be very
high.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a sidewall extension for being
mounted on top of opposing sidewalls of interlocked channel segments along at least
a part of the length of a sloping run to effectively increase the total depth of each
channel .. segment and increase the length of a continuously and progressively sloping
run of the drainage channel system.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a drainage channel sidewall
extension which greatly increases the maximum rate of flow of the drainage channel
system.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for extending
the continuous slope of a run of a drainage channel system mounted on top of and fixed
to opposing side walls of relatively short channel segments, wherein the combined
height of the sidewall extensions and sidewalls of the channel segments collectively
define a fluid entrance at the same level as adjacent, taller channel segments.
[0010] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiment
disclosed below by providing the combination of a sidewall extension for being mounted
on top of each of the sidewalls of interlocked channel segments along at least a part
of the length of the sloping run of the channel segments, and effectively increasing
the total depth of each channel segment and increasing the length of a continuously
and progressively sloping run of the channel system.
[0011] Preferably, the sidewall extensions are mounted on top of the channel segment sidewalls
in substantially the same vertical plane as the channel segment sidewall. The top
of the sidewalls of the channel segment and the bottom of the sidewall extension includes
cooperating positioning means for positioning the sidewalls and the sidewall extensions
together in the same vertical and longitudinal plane.
[0012] The sidewall extension also preferably includes locking means for locking adjacent,
end-to-end sidewall extensions together in the same vertical plane. These locking
means comprise a vertically extending tab integrally formed in one end of said sidewall
extension, and the other end of the sidewall extension defining an integrally formed,
mating slot for receiving and locking with the tab on the opposite end of an adjacent
sidewall extension.
[0013] The sidewall extension also preferably includes at least one integrally formed support
rib extending along its length and/or at least one integrally formed, vertically extending
buttress for providing increased stiffness to the sidewall extension.
[0014] In the method according to the present invention, progressively taller channel segments
are installed in a correspondingly progressively deeper trench, beginning at one end
of a run with a channel segment having predetermined, relatively short sidewalls and
continuing along the run with the installation of a predetermined number of channel
segments having progressively taller sidewalls to a point before the end of the run.
Then, a channel segment having relatively shorter walls is interlocked with the tallest
channel segment already installed. A predetermined, vertically offset distance is
defined between the fluid entrance of the channel segment having the tallest sidewalls
and the adjacent channel segment having the relatively short sidewalls. Then, channel
segments having progressively taller sidewalls are installed for a predetermined distance
along the run to define a second predetermined number of channel segments. A sidewall
extension is affixed on top of each of the opposing sidewalls of the second predetermined
number of channel segments, with the sidewall extensions each being of a height sufficient
to collectively define a fluid entrance at the same level along the continuation of
the run for a predetermined distance to the end of the run.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0015] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and
advantages of the invention will appear as the description of the invention proceeds
when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a sidewall extension according to the present
invention;
Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the sidewall extension illustrated in Figure
1; .
Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an installed drainage channel segment
with two sidewall extensions according to the present invention mounted thereon;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a drainage channel segment with two opposing sidewall
extensions mounted thereon; and
rigure 5 is a scnematic illustration or a first predetermined number of drainage channel
segments defining a run, together with a second predetermined number of drainage channel
segments, on the top of which are mounted sidewall extensions according to the present
invention to thereby define a longer continuous run.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0016] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a sidewall extension according to the
present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 and generally designated by reference
numeral 10. Sidewall extension 10 is cast of polyester concrete in the form of a relatively
thin slab and includes a pair of integrally molded supporting ribs 11 and 12 extending
horizontally along its length. In addition, three vertically extending buttresses
13, 14 and 15 are also integrally molded into sidewall extension 10 and provide further
resistance against breaking.
[0017] A vertical slot 16 is molded into one end of each sidewall extension 10 and a matingly
formed tab 18 is molded into the opposite end of each sidewall extension 10. Therefore,
adjacent sidewall extensions 10 can be interlocked together by inserting tab 18 into
the slot 16 of adjacently positioned sidewall extensions 10. This locks adjacent sidewall
extensions 10 into the same vertical and horizontal plane.
[0018] Referring now to Figure 2, a groove 20 is integrally formed into the bottom edge
of sidewall extension 10 along its entire length. Likewise, a longitudinally extending
ridge 21 is integrally molded into the top edge of sidewall extension 10. The function
of groove 20 and ridge 21 are described below.
[0019] Three elongate anchor bolts 23, 24 and 25 are embedded into sidewall extension 10
and project outwardly therefrom at substantially right angles to the vertical plane
of sidewall extension 10. These bolts assist in anchoring sidewall extension 10 into
a bed of concrete into which the entire drainage system is installed.
[0020] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, sidewall extension 10 is shown in its intended
manner of use. Sidewall extension 10 is used in combination with a drainage channel
segment 30 formed of cast polyester concrete and having opposing, spaced-apart sidewalls
31 and 32, connected by a bottom wall 33. Sidewalls 31 and 32 and bottom wall 33 collectively
define a fluid carrying space having a top opening which is defined between the upper
free ends of sidewalls 31 and 32. The upwardly extending ends of sidewalls 31 and
32 define enlarged ribs 31A and 32A, respectively. Integrally formed into the top
of ribs 31A and 32A are channel segment ridges 31B and 32B, respectively. When used
without the sidewall extensions 10 according to this invention, ridges 31B and 32B
define inwardly directed grate support shoulders 35 and 36 into which is placed a
suitably formed, elongate grate 37, best shown in Figure 4.
[0021] Figures 3 and 4, also illustrate how sidewall extensions 10 fit onto the top of a
drainage channel segment 30. Ridges 31B and 32B mate, respectively, with groove 20
in the bottom of two oppositely directed sidewall extensions 10. This establishes
the drainage channel segment sidewalls 31 and 32 in the same vertical plane as opposing
sidewall extensions 10. It can also be observed that the longitudinally extending
ridge 21 on each sidewall extension 10 corresponds exactly in size and shape with
longitudinally extending ridges 31B and 32B on drainage channel segment 30. Accordingly,
grate 37 fits into the top opening fluid entrance defined by the two spaced-apart,
opposing sidewall extensions 10 in exactly the same manner as when drainage channel
segment 30 is used by itself.
[0022] The construction shown in Figures 3 and 4 form a unit which, for all intents and
purposes, is a single piece unit, but without the expense and susceptibility to breakage
which would result from a single, cast unit of an equivalent size. The bolts 23, 24
and 25 securely anchor sidewall extensions 10 into the surrounding bed of concrete
securely and permanently.
[0023] Now that the structure of sidewall extension 10 has been explained and the cooperation
of two such sidewall extensions 10 with a drainage channel segment 30 has been illustrated,
reference is now made to Figure 5 where the method by which the drainage channel extensions
10 are used is further explained and illustrated.
[0024] In Figure 5 a continuous "run" of interconnected drainage channel segments is illustrated
and broadly designated at reference numeral 50. For purposes of explanation, the run
is divided into two subsections, respectively identified as subsection 50A and subsection
50B. Figure 5 has been substantially compressed in longitudinal dimension for purposes
of illustration. In reality, each individual drainage segment is 39.19 inches (approx.
1 meter) in length.
[0025] In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 5, thirty individual channel segments,
all having the same generic construction as channel segment 30 in Figures 3 and 4,
are shown in a continuous "run" (subsection 50A) and are identified by reference numerals
51-80. Channel segments 51-80 are of progressively larger capacity beginning with
channel segment 51 which, according to this preferred embodiment, has a minimum depth
on one end of 5.3 inches (13.5 cm) and a maximum depth on the other end of 5.6 inches
(14.2 cm) to provide the 0.6% slope angle. This construction provides a flow cross-section
of 12.5 square inches (80.7 sq.cm) and a maximum rate of flow of 128 gallons (485
liters) per minute.
[0026] The channel depth of channel segments 51-80 increases progressively, with channel
segment 80, the largest, having a minimum channel depth on one end of 12.2 inches
(31 cm) and a maximum channel depth on the opposite end of 12.5 (32 cm) inches, to
provide a flow cross-section of 39.9 square inches (257 sq.cm) and a maximum rate
of flow of 491 gallons (1859 liters) per minute.
[0027] In accordance with the illustrated method of this invention, the second run, subsection
50B, constructed of the same exact number of channel segments identified as channel
segments 51'-80' , is installed in a progressively deeper trench in interlocking relationship
with channel segments 51-80. As can be seen in Figure 5, channel Segments 51'-81'
thereby defines a predetermined vertically offset distance between the fluid entrance
of channel segments 51-81. Of course, subsection 50B can be formed of any number of
additional channel segments less than 30 depending on the desired length of the complete
run 50.
[0028] Identical sidewall extensions 10 are secured to the top of each of the channel segments
51'-80' in the manner illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The top opening which defines
the fluid entrance of the drainage channels 51'-80' is at the same level as that defined
by channel segments 51-80. As a result, the continuous slope of the run is effectively
doubled without the use of interspersed non-sloping channels and without the necessity
of individually designing and casting an additional 30, progressively deeper channel
segments.
[0029] A substantial benefit of this construction and method is a substantial increase in
the flow capacity of the system shown in Figure 5. As indicated above, channel segment
51 has a maximum rate of flow of 128 gallons (485 liters) per minute. Each sidewall
extension adds a nominal increase of 7.2 inches (18.3 cm) to the channel depth. Accordingly,
the channel depth of channel segment 51 and sidewall extension 10 combined is 12.5
(31.8 cm) inches on one end and 12.8 inches on the other end. This provides a flow
cross-section of 41.3 square inches (266 sq. cm)'and a maximum rate of flow of 509
gallons (1972 liters) per minute for channel segment 51' and the combined sidewall
extension 10. This increase in drainage capacity is quite significant compared to
the relatively modest extra cost entailed by use of this product and method.
[0030] A drainage channel sidewall extension and a method of extending the continuous slope
of a run of a drainage channel system by using sidewall extensions is described above.
Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope.
Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment according to the
present invention is provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the
purpose of limitation - the invention being defined by the claims.
1. In a drainage channel system of the type characterized by a plurality of drainage
channel segments of progressively greater length adapted to be interlocked end-to-end
to provide a below grade gravity feed sloping drainage run of a predetermined length,
each of said channel segments comprising a pair of opposing, spaced-apart side walls,
a bottom wall connecting said side walls adjacent one end thereof, and a top opening
opposite said bottom wall, said side walls and said bottom wall defining a fluid carrying
space therebetween and said top opening defining a fluid entrance adapted to receive
a grate; the combination therewith of a side wall extension for being mounted on top
of each of the side walls of the interlocked channel segments along at least a part
of the length of the sloping run and effectively increasing the total depth of each
said channel segment and increasing the length of a continuously and progressively
sloping run of the drainage channel system.
2. In a drainage channel system according to claim 1, wherein said side wall extension
is mounted on top of said channel segment side wall in substantially the same vertical
plane as said channel segment side wall.
3. In a drainage channel system according to claim 1, wherein the top of said side
walls of said channel segment and the bottom of said side wall extension includes
cooperating positioning means for positioning said side walls and said side wall extensions
together in the same vertical and longitudinal plane.
4. In a drainage channel system according to claim 3, said positioning means comprising
an upwardly extending ridge integrally formed in the top end of said side walls and
extending the length of said channel segment; and the bottom of said side wall extension
defining a mating groove extending along the length of said side wall extension for
being positioned in stradling relation on said ridge substantially along its entire
length.
5. In a drainage channel system according to claim 2, wherein said side wall extension
includes locking means for locking adjacent, end-to-end side wall extensions together
in the same vertical plane.
6. In a drainage channel system according to claim 5, said locking means comprising
a vertically extending tab integrally formed on one end thereof; and the opposite
end of said side wall extension defining an integrally formed, mating slot for receiving
and locking with the tab on the opposite end of an adjacent side wall extension.
7. In a drainage channel system according to claim 1, 3 or 5,' wherein said side wall extension includes at least one integrally formed support
rib extending along the length thereof for providing increased stiffness thereto.
8. In a drainage channel system according to claim 7, wherein said side wall extension
includes at least one integrally formed, vertically extending buttress for providing
increased stiffness to said side wall extension.
9. In a drainage channel system according to claim 8, and including an outwardly projecting,
elongate body secured to said side wall and extending laterally outwardly therefrom
for being imbedded in a supporting bed of concrete or the like in which the drainage
channel system is positioned to support said side wall extension.
10. In a drainage channel system according to claim 1, wherein said channel segments
and said side wall extensions are each constructed of cast polyester concrete.
11. In a drainage channel system according , to claim 1, wherein two opposing side
wall extensions mounted on opposing side walls of said channel segment collectively
define an upwardly displaced fluid entrance having dimensions substantially identical
to that of said channel segment fluid opening, whereby a grate of the same size may
be positioned within the fluid entrance of said channel segment and the fluid entrance
of said two opposing side wall extensions.
12. A side wall extension adapted for being mounted on top of and between each of
two side walls of a drainage channel segment of a type characterized by being of a
progressively greater depth from one end to the other and adapted to be interlocked
end-to-end to provide a below grade gravity feed sloping drainage run of a predetermined
length, each of said channel segments comprising a pair of opposing, spaced-apart
side walls, a bottom wall connecting said side walls adjacent one end thereof and
a top opening opposite said bottom wall, said side walls and said bottom walls defining
a fluid carrying space therebetween and said top opening defining a fluid entrance
and adapted to receive a grate; said side wall extension comprising a substantially
planar body adapted for being mounted on top of and between each of the side walls
of the interlocked channel segments along at least a part of the length of the sloping
run of said drainage channel system.
13. A side wall extension according to claim 12, wherein said side wall extension
is mounted on top of said channel segment side wall in substantially the same vertical
plane as said channel segment side wall.
14. A side wall extension according to claim 12, wherein the top of said side walls
of said channel segment and the bottom of said side wall extension includes cooperating
positioning means for positioning said side walls and said side wall extensions together
in the same vertical and longitudinal plane.
15. A side wall extension according to claim 14, said positioning means comprising
an upwardly extending ridge integrally formed in the top end of said side walls and
extending the length of said channel segment; and the bottom of said side wall extension
defining a mating groove extending along the length of said side wall extension for
being positioned onto in stradling relation with said ridge substantially along its
entire length.
16. A side wall extension according to claim 13, wherein said side wall extension
includes locking means for locking adjacent:, end-to-end side wall extensions together
in the same vertical plane.
17. A side wall extension according to claim 16, said locking means comprising a vertically
extending tab integrally formed on one end thereof; and the opposite end of said side
wall extension defining an integrally formed, mating slot for receiving and locking
with the tab on the opposite end of an adjacent side wall extension.
18. A side wall extension according to claim 11, 14 and 16, wherein said side wall
extension includes at least one integrally formed support rib extending along the
length thereof for providing increased stiffness thereto.
19. A side wall extension according to claim 18, wherein said side wall extension
includes at least one integrally formed, vertically extending buttress for providing
increased stiffness to said side wall extension.
20. A side wall extension according to claim 19, and including an outwardly projecting,
elongate body secured to said side wall and extending laterally outwardly therefrom
for being imbedded in a supporting bed of concrete or the like in which the drainage
channel system is positioned to support said side wall extension.
21. A side wall extension according to claim 11, wherein said channel segments and
said side wall extensions are each cast of polyester concrete.
22. A side wall extension according to claim 11, wherein two opposing side wall extensions
mounted on opposing side walls of said channel segment collectively define an upwardly
displaced fluid entrance having dimensions substantially identica'l to that of said
channel segment fluid opening, whereby a grate of the same size may be positioned
within the fluid entrance of said channel segment and the fluid entrance of said two
opposing side wall extensions.
23. A metnoa for extending tne continuous slope of a run of a drainage channel system
of the type wherein a plurality of progressively deeper channel segments are interlocked
end-to-end below grade with a fluid entrance substantially even with grade, each channel
segment comprising a pair of opposing, spaced-apart side walls, a bottom wall connecting
said side walls adjacent one end thereof, and a top opening opposite said bottom wall,
said side walls and said bottom wall defining a fluid carrying space and said top
opening defining a fluid entrance adapted to receive a grate, said method comprising
the steps of:
a. installing progressively taller channel segments in a correspondingly progressively
deeper trench, beginning at one end of a run with a channel segment having predetermined,
relatively short side walls and continuing along the run with the installation of
a first predetermined number of channel segments having progressively taller side
walls to a point before the end of the run;
b. interlocking a channel segment having relatively shorter walls with the tallest
channel segment already installed thereby defining a predetermined vertically offset
distance between the fluid entrance of the channel segment having the tallest side
walls and adjacent channel segment having relatively short side walls;
c. installing a second predetermined number of channel segments having progressively
taller side walls for a predetermined distance along the run;
d. affixing a side wall extension on top of each of the opposing side walls of the
second predetermined number of channel segments with said side wall extensions each
being of a height sufficient to collectively define a fluid entrance at the same level
along the continuation of said run for a predetermined distance to the end of said
run.